PROLONGED NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKADE FOR RELAXATION IN 2 PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE-CARE PATIENTS

Newer neuromuscular blocking drugs provide optimum blockade and can fa cilitate ventilation, yet if they are discontinued, they allow predict able reversal. This article documents the use of these drugs in the tr eatment of two pediatric intensive care unit patients who had differen t physiologic problems and pharmacologic needs and who were ventilator dependent for a prolonged period. In each case, neuromuscular blockad e significantly facilitated ventilation and allowed time for treatment of the underlying pathology without deleterious pharmacologic side ef fects resulting in a favorable outcome for both patients. The article discusses some of the unique pharmacolagic properties of these drugs a nd the rationale for their use.